How to install your front dash cam

This article explains how to mount your front THINKWARE dash cam and route its power cable.

 

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Preparing for installation

A power connection is required to install and test the dash cam. Power options include a 12V Power Cable, a Hardwiring Cable, an OBD-II Power Cable, or an iVolt battery pack. This article briefly covers the 12V Power Cable method.

Note: The 12V Power Cable is included with most THINKWARE dash cam bundles. It does not support Parking Mode.

Caution: Most vehicle 12V sockets turn off with the ignition, but some remain powered. With an always-on socket, the dash cam keeps running. Parking Mode battery protection, including Record Timer and Voltage Cut Off, is unavailable with the 12V Power Cable. This can completely drain the vehicle battery.

If your socket stays powered, use a Hardwiring Cable, OBD-II Power Cable, or iVolt battery pack instead. If you use the 12V cable, unplug it every time you leave the vehicle and reconnect it when you return.

For Hardwiring Cable, OBD-II Power Cable, or iVolt connection instructions, see How to choose a power supply for your THINKWARE Dash Cam.

 

Prepare the windshields and gather your equipment before attaching the mounts.

Caution: Oil, dust, or moisture prevents the adhesive from bonding properly and can cause the mount to detach during use.

1. Clean the inside of the front windshield and rear window with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

2. Make sure both surfaces are clean and dry before applying adhesive mounts.

Caution: Turn off the ignition and unplug the main dash cam power cable before connecting or disconnecting the rear camera cable.

 

Installing the heat-blocking film

For U3000 PRO, U3000, Q1000, ARC 700:

1. Wipe the windshield installation area with a dry cloth.

2. Attach the heat-blocking film where it will not block the front camera lens.

Attach the heat-blocking film

3. Remove the protective film from the adhesive mount.

4. Press the mount onto the heat-blocking film.

5. Push the mount firmly against the windshield to secure it.

 

Installing the front camera

THINKWARE Front Cam installed

Choose a position with an unobstructed view of the road that does not block your view or interfere with vehicle sensors.

Before positioning the camera, attach it to its mount as shown in your model's installation guide.

With the engine and electrical accessories off, connect the genuine THINKWARE 12V Power Cable to the dash cam's DC-IN port and plug the other end into the vehicle's 12V power socket.

When you checking the Live View or to test recording, turn on vehicle ACC mode or start the engine. Turn off the ignition and unplug dash cam power before connecting or disconnecting the rear camera cable.

1. Align the camera lens with the center of the rearview mirror.

2. Position the front camera directly behind the rearview mirror.

3. Remove the protective film from the mount's adhesive pad.

Note: Before attaching the mount, you can hold the dash cam in place and check the recording angle in Live View. Use the screen on an LCD model. For other models, connect by Wi-Fi through the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app. Turn your phone to landscape orientation for a full-screen view.

check the recording angle in Live View.

4. Press the mount firmly against the windshield for 30 seconds.

THINKWARE camera mount attached to heat-blocking film on the windshield

5. Route the main power cable along the headliner, down the A-pillar trim, and toward the vehicle power source.

 

Routing and concealing dash cam cables

Conceal the power and rear camera cables behind interior trim and weatherstripping to keep them clear of your view.

Required tools: Plastic trim removal tool.

1. Use the trim tool to tuck the cable into the headliner seam above the windshield.

Routing the dash cam cable under the windshield headliner

2. Route the cable across the headliner to the driver-side or passenger-side A-pillar.

Caution: Side curtain airbags may be behind the A-pillar trim. Route the cable along the factory wiring harness behind the airbag so it cannot obstruct deployment.

3. Carefully pull back or remove the A-pillar trim.

Cable routing that keeps the dash cam cable clear of the airbag deployment path

4. Secure the cables along the vehicle wiring with adhesive cable clips or tape.

5. Turn on vehicle ACC mode or start the engine to supply power.

 

Need more help?

Contact the support team for your region by email or phone. We’ll respond to your email as quickly as we can.

North America (US/CA)
Email: support@thinkware.com
Phone: 1-844-865-9273

United Kingdom
Email: support.eu@thinkware.com
Phone: +44 (0) 333-121-0008

Europe (EU)
Email: support@thinkwarestore.com
Phone: +49 69 943 22200

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